YMCA bids farewell to long-standing staff member

Youth charity YMCA Burton has bid farewell to veteran staff member Kath Stokes, who has announced her plans to retire.

Kath (pictured) has been working as an ancillary team member at YMCA Burton since it was established in 1988.

She joined the charity shortly after it opened the first Housing Project in the town for young people, called Milton House.

During Kath 's employment, she has witnessed the construction of the Reconnect and the building of George Williams house with just 20 units of accommodation, compared to the 71 units there are now.

Kath also saw four furniture shops added to the organisation and remembers when there were no computers, and everything was handwritten including the individual rent books.

Kath said: “Thirty-three years have gone by so quickly. I have met so many wonderful residents, staff and volunteers. I have watched residents grow in confidence through the support the YMCA offers and see them move on to have an independent life.

"It puts a smile on my face to know I have always been there to lend a listening ear and a reassuring smile when needed. I am going to miss all the friends I have made over the years; I count myself lucky to have met some real interesting characters and also made some lifelong friendships too. ”

Kath also recalls when chief executive Paul Laffey joined the YMCA 22 years ago.

Paul commented on Kath's departure, saying: “Trustees, staff, volunteers and residents are very grateful for the long service Kath Stokes has given to the YMCA.

"We had the whole staff team come together on Zoom to give her a great send off. She has been a tremendous and dedicated team member. Having worked as an ancillary member of the team, Kath kept our buildings clean, tidy and safe.

"She developed excellent working relationships with our clients and was a great team player.

"All at the YMCA will miss her sense of humour, her hospitality and her diligence in how she applied herself in the workplace. We wish Kath a long and happy retirement, and hope that she and her husband Phil get to enjoy their future years together."